The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning transportation, focusing on the Department of Transportation and the Florida Transportation Commission. It allows the Secretary of Transportation to appoint several assistant secretaries, including a Chief Operations Officer and a Chief Finance and Administration Officer, all of whom will be exempt from career service and included in the Senior Management Service. The qualifications for members of the Florida Transportation Commission are revised to require expertise in higher education, transportation, or workforce development. Additionally, the bill establishes the Florida Transportation Research Institute to coordinate policies and grant funding, expands eligibility for the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program, and introduces new definitions and responsibilities related to airport operations.

Moreover, the bill enhances workforce development and regulatory changes within the transportation sector, including increasing the threshold for small businesses eligible for certain contracts and allowing the Department of Transportation to waive competitive bidding under specific circumstances. It also streamlines budget processes, supports small businesses in transportation projects, and modifies the governance structure of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. The bill addresses wireless communications facility regulations, ensuring reliable emergency services while balancing local zoning interests, and clarifies definitions related to wildlife hazard management at airports. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the efficiency, accountability, and economic development of Florida's transportation and aviation systems, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1662 Filed: 212.20, 311.07, 316.0741, 316.0745, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.406, 338.227, 339.2816, 339.287, 339.55, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
S 1662 c1: 311.07, 316.0741, 316.0745, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 334.044, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 339.287, 339.55, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403